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Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
43.8358, -101.911
Field Notes
Description:
These rodents are mostly tan in color with a belly that is slightly lighter. The tail is tipped in black. Adults are 14-17 inches in length. These particular prairie dogs, however, are white! See note below.
Habitat:
Prairie grasslands ranging from the US/Canada border south to Mexico.
Notes:
I was amazed by these prairie dogs. I had never heard of white prairie dogs. The entire colony of, perhaps, 50 dogs were white with one exception that was normally colored. I suspect their isolation from other prairie dogs and their small numbers have encouraged some inbreeding with one result of unusual recessive genetics being expressed in their white coloration. I've done some research, but haven't found any mention of other white prairie dogs. Fascinating....
Reference Links:
Black-tailed prairie dog
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedNovember 15, 2011
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